Brains
Ski towns across North America offer a large variety of activities off the slopes. From fine dining and nightlife to spas, festivals, and art galleries, and everything in between, both the U.S. and Canada’s ski towns offer a little something for everyone. Some towns, however, pull well above their weight in off-slope activities year-round. From coast to coast, the continent is blessed with a wide variety of mountain destinations, each with its own unique charm and draws.
Aspen, CO
Known for its level of luxury and as a playground for the rich and famous, Aspen is the place to see and be seen. Also renowned for its vibrant arts scene, Aspen boasts upscale shopping, a free art museum, and music venues like Belly Up Aspen and the Wheeler Opera House for live entertainment. Aspen is also home to the famous John Denver Sanctuary and snowshoeing trails such as the picturesque Maroon Lake Scenic Trail. Aspen’s dining scene is among the best in the world, with standout examples such as Matsuhisa and The White House Tavern. Located in one of the most beautiful areas of the country, even those who have never once stepped into a pair of ski boots are guaranteed to have an unforgettable trip.
Park City, UT
This historic mining town turned destination offers a bustling main street with numerous shops, art galleries, restaurants, and bars. Non-skiers can enjoy guided tours of the Utah Olympic Park, including a museum and even guided bobsled rides. For those seeking adrenaline, Park City’s alpine slide offers four tracks, each over 3,000 feet in length. Park City also boasts a fantastic dining scene with options like Riverhorse on Main and High West Distillery, famous for its craft whiskeys.
Whistler Blackcomb, BC
The largest ski resort in North America features a pedestrian-only village with a European-inspired base area, both mountain and ocean activities like hiking and whale watching, and lively nightlife options. Non-skiers can enjoy a range of activities, including snowshoeing, snowmobile tours, zip lining, boat tours, and scenic gondola rides, providing excellent opportunities to take in the views of the Fitzsimmons Range. Whistler Village also has an ice skating rink and a snow zone for sledding and snowball fights in the winter. Whistler is also known for its excellent and varied dining options, such as Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar.
Stowe, VT
Stowe offers classic New England small-town charm paired with big mountain views. Stowe offers no shortage of beautiful leaf viewing opportunities, local artisans, and historic buildings. Travelers will be treated to recreational opportunities, including ice skating, dog sledding, cross-country skiing, ice fishing, gondola rides, spa services, and even sleigh rides. Visitors can also find tours for local cheesemakers and craft breweries, guided snowshoe treks, and various performances at the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center.
Breckenridge, CO
Breckenridge offers a distinct charm only a historic mountain town can provide. Nestled at the base of the stunning 10-mile range, Breckenridge offers unparalleled mountain views in every direction. Offering a wide array of activities besides skiing and snowboarding, visitors can enjoy dog sledding, exploring historic Main Street, hiking a classic Colorado 14,000-foot peak, or visiting the Breckenridge Arts District. Other options include backcountry snowshoeing, visiting the Breckenridge Nordic Center or Gold Run Nordic Center, soaking in a natural hot spring in one of Colorado’s multiple thermal areas, and, of course, enjoying local restaurants like Hearthstone or Kenosha Breck.
Leavenworth, WA
The Bavarian-inspired town of Leavenworth, Washington, offers a wide array of activities. Situated in the Cascade mountains, there is no shortage of scenic hiking trails, such as Icicle Ridge or Colchuck Lake. Visitors are also able to float the Wenatchee River on inner tubes and kayaks by day, and explore the town’s unique shops and restaurants by night. Leavenworth is also famous for its German cuisine. Visitors will be welcomed to enjoy fresh grilled bratwursts and liters of lagers at German-style places like the München Haus or Andreas Keller. Other unique places, such as the Reindeer Farm or Leavenworth’s vibrant Oktoberfest celebration, are also a must-see when in town.
Truckee, CA
Located at the crest of the mighty Sierra Nevada Mountains about halfway between Sacramento and Reno, Truckee has something for everyone, regardless of whether they ski or snowboard. For the nature lover, Truckee is just a short drive to the majestic Lake Tahoe and all the watersports a vacationer could hope for. Jet skiing, kayaking, boating, paddleboarding, and fishing are all within easy reach in Truckee. For the history buff, Donner Memorial State Park commemorates the failed Donner Party attempt to cross the Sierra in 1846. Truckee also boasts a lively town full of boutique shops and historic places to dine, in addition to excellent access to mountain biking, cross-country skiing, hiking, and snow tubing.
While most travel to these amazing destinations to enjoy their world-class ski resorts, these towns are fortunate enough to offer much more in the way of recreation. Each destination offers a unique draw to its corner of North America. The only remaining question is, where to head next?
